Uzbekistan is a secular, unitary country located in Central Asia with its capital at Tashkent. It is a landlocked country, surrounded by five other countries from all sides. Uzbekistan was previously a part of the Iranian-speaking domain of Turan.
The Scythians, or the Eastern Iranian nomads, were among the first settlers in the country. The cities in the country become prosperous due to trade conducted through the Silk Route. Over time, there have been many Islamic rulers in the region, giving Uzbekistan some of the most stunning architecture in the entirety of Asia.
Traveling to Uzbekistan will transport you back in time. The country is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural wonders, which is sure to make your trip meaningful and enlightening. Before you leave, make sure to buy travel medical insurance against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries during your trip through Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
With a medical insurance plan, there is no need to worry about extra medical expenses in case you are sick or injured while you are touring a foreign country.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Uzbekistan?
You do not have to compulsorily buy medical insurance when you are traveling to Uzbekistan. However, having health insurance is always recommended, as it can be helpful if an accident or illness were to befall you on your trip and medical care was required.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Uzbekistan?
If you have Uzbekistan travel medical insurance, then the insurance plan can provide coverage for any medical emergency that might arise while you are there. You might fall sick due to dehydration, or you could get injured in a sandstorm. In any case, the insurance can take care of the expenses.
It can cover the cost of treatment as well as the cost of medical evacuation if things get worse and you have to be shifted back to your own country.
Things to Do for Travelers in Uzbekistan
Do not miss out on these experiences while you are in the country.
- Exploring the ruins of Ark: The ruins of Ark are located in Bukhara, and they are among the most well-preserved ruins anywhere in the world. The ancient fort town was once the residence of the Emir and was occupied from the 5th to the 20th centuries. The vast rooms have been converted to museums, and the town-within-the-town format of the ruins is sure to fascinate you with its intricate mapping.
- Visiting Registan: You cannot leave Uzbekistan without visiting Registan in Samarkand. It is a vast medresa in the heart of the city. The edifices are huge and breathtaking, complete with intricate Islamic carvings and stunning mosaics. The three edifices are often considered the pride of Central Asia even today, though some of them were once demolished by Genghis Khan.
- Shopping at Chorsu Bazaar: This bazaar, or marketplace, was a center of commerce even hundreds of years back. Today, it is one of the most vibrant markets in the entire Central Asia region where you can buy a wide variety of spices, jewelry made from gemstones, colorful items of clothing, and trinkets. The bazaar itself is housed inside a stunning, blue-domed building.
- Relaxing at Lyab-E-Haus: Central Asia is dry, and Lyab-E-Haus has one of the few remaining ponds in the country. The pond is surrounded by minarets and lakes. There are palm trees and mulberry trees around a beautiful old plaza that is watered by a canal. The Jewish quarters stand at one side of the pond.
- Visiting Gur-E-Amir at night: This is the mausoleum of the 14th-century Mongol conqueror Timur. Even his sons and grandsons were cremated here. The dome is flawless in shape and the colors of the mosaic are still bright and stunning. Visiting this mausoleum at night under a moonlit sky only enhances its beauty, adding to the aura of this ancient edifice.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Uzbekistan
You should be careful of a few things while visiting Uzbekistan.
- Law and order: Uzbekistan is a police state, so you should keep your head low and abide by every law in the country. Do not get into an altercation with the police or with any other local authority. Make sure all your papers are in order, or you could be detained or even arrested.
- Scams: Petty scams on the roads of Uzbekistan are common, and unsuspecting tourists are often lured into a “money-splitting” scam. The scammers often come up with a story that they have found cash lying on the road and after an extensive trap has been laid, the tourist ends up paying from their own pockets to get out of a messy situation.
- Border unrest: Border unrest is common, especially near the borders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. When tensions are high, crossfire ensues and landmine explosions also commonly occur. Do not wander into unknown routes, and stay close to the heart of the city as much as possible.
- Dehydration: Central Asia is very dry, and you could easily fall sick due to dehydration. Many of the cities in the country have been erected out of deserts. You should always carry water with you, wear sunglasses, and carry an umbrella. If you are exploring the deserted areas, then it could be difficult to get help in time.
- Bag snatching: Petty crimes like bag-snatching are common in Uzbekistan, like in many other countries. The back alleys of Tashkent could be dangerous after dark. Keep your passport and visa safe in your hotel locker and carry a photocopy instead, so as not to risk losing them in case of a snatching. Be wary of any stranger who offers to show you the nightlife of the city, especially if you are traveling solo.
Before You Travel to Uzbekistan - Do This
- Stay updated about the local news, especially about unrest near the borders. You should always book a registered guide from the tourism office.
- Book your cars from registered rentals only, as unregistered taxis often do not have meters.
- Check for warnings about sandstorms if you plan on desert safaris.
- Carry enough water bottles so that you do not get dehydrated.
- Find out about the basic rules and regulations in the country as it is under police rule—everything is controlled by the Militsiya.